Unemployed Loans
- Find and compare multiple unemployed finance options including; Loans, subsidies, benefits & more.
- Understand the qualification process see what lenders look for.
- Get genuine money assistance options if qualifying for a loan is not a possibility.
If you are currently unemployed and facing financial difficulties or being let go from your current employment, understanding which financial institutes and government benefits available to help you is important. Before you jump into any decision about how to handle your finances, it is important that you explore and understand all of your options. You first want to make sure you are receiving all of the benefits you are entitled to during your time of unemployment. If you are in need of a loan make sure you are applying for the right type of loan for your situation.
Quick Links – Things to know
Government loans, benefits & support during unemployment
Why its hard to qualify for a loan while unemployed
Compare Unemployed Loan Options
Loans for unemployed Australians are hard to come by, generally payday type lenders advertise their services. These may not be the best option and can put you in a worse position. Engaging with the wrong lender can seriously affect your financial situation. Below are some tips on how to avoid bad lenders.
• Check business reviews online
• Check for complaints about the business online
• Search comparison sites for options but be careful, these sites generally promote businesses that advertise with them.
• Check with ASIC that the business is licenced
These points will help you avoid toxic loans or falling victim to scams.
Review – See loan and benefit options for specific circumstances here.
Below are multiple loan and money assistance programs for those who are unemployed
Specialty Loans
Many loan options for unemployed are advertised as short term loans and range in size from $100 – $2000. These loans may come with a high cost of borrowing with application fees of 20% in addition to monthly fees and additional charges should you be late or miss repayments.
A large percentage of unemployed loans are applied by those collecting government benefits. To qualify with lenders willing to lend to the unemployed, you’ll need an additional source of income outside of benefits.
As per the Social Security Act (SSA) and National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCPA), if 50% or more of your income is from benefits, the amount of payments for customers must not exceed 20% of their total income.
If you are in need of quick cash and are on benefits, a Centrelink Advanced Payment may be more suitable – there are no fees or interest attached to the advance, see chart below for more detail.
Unemployment Benefits
As soon as you lose your job, you should apply for the Newstart Allowance program. This will help cover some your basic living expenses until you are able to find a job. As long as you are 22-years old or older and not old enough for Age Pension, you may qualify for this program. You will receive a regular payment of up to $699.90 fortnightly depending on your specific set of circumstances. This may also entitle you to other great benefits, such as Rent Assistance, a reduction in your utility bills, a Clean Energy Supplement and an Income Support Bonus. You will also receive special support services to help you find a job faster. Here is a list of benefits available for those needing help with various financial issues.
If you aren’t collecting Centrelink benefits yet, visit the Centrelink estimator and calculator to get a strong idea on what type of financial assistance you may qualify for. This is a quick way to see if the benefits are worth your time applying for based on your situation. Applying for unemployment benefits isn’t a quick process.
Centrepay
If you are receiving benefits from the government, you may be eligible for Centrepay. This program allows you to pay certain bills, such as utilities, phone, rent, child care and medical services, right from your Centrelink payments. Many companies throughout the country work with Centrepay and will allow you to pay any outstanding balances slowly over time. This also works to keep your payments more consistent throughout the year, which can help you budget better.
Non-Profit Loan Options For Unemployed
If you have fallen behind on your monthly bills, the first thing you want to do is contact the companies or lenders you owe money. They may be willing to work out a payment plan that is more manageable for you to handle. This could help you avoid the need to obtain a loan. If, after this, you still need a loan, you should consider obtaining one of these no or low interest loans sponsored by the government.
No Interest Loan Scheme. If you are receiving Centrelink payments from the government, you may be eligible for a no interest loan of up to $3,000. These loans are meant to help low-come families purchase necessary household items or make car repairs. It can be slowly paid back over the course of 18 months.
Apply with a co-signer. If you are between jobs or have some sort of stable income stream, apply with a co-signer maybe a option. Whilst loans for unemployed people are hard to qualify for a application with a co-signer who has a solid work history can make things easier.
Things to know before applying for a loan while unemployed
Before you try to obtain a loan, understand that the likely hood of you actually qualifying from a mainstream lender is minimal. In addition, multiple loan application submissions can actually hurt your credit score. Assistance through family, non-profits or the government may be more beneficial.
If you are applying for a loan to pay your bills, try reaching out to your creditors and service providers first to see if they will work with you; in many cases they may provide you with a month or two lapse in payment until your obtain another job. One of the most important things you should take advantage of is the governmental benefits you are entitled to because this can assist you many of you bills. Having income protection is also of great benefit.
There are multiple government services that provide financial aid for emergency situations in regards to day to day living needs – Services such as Crisis Payments and Community Engagement Offices.
Avoid Cash Advance Loans
Unfortunately, there are many companies out their offering instant cash loans to people who are unemployed. While this may sound like a great option at first, it is vital that you read the fine print. Many of these loans come with extremely high interest rates and you will be paying back a substantially higher amount then you originally borrowed. In addition, if you do not get a job as quickly as you thought you would, you will have trouble paying this loan back. This may cause you to be charged extra late fees that can add up over time. Also, if you used anything for collateral, such as your car, you may actually lose it if you are not able to pay the loan back in a timely manner. These types of loans should be avoided at all costs.
In addition to looking for financial help while unemployed, read about other services available to help you while dealing with unemployment.
Need help with a bond loan
Hi Lornetta, please review our State based service pages which can be found on our map of the homepage or visit this page for bond loan assistance.
Regards,
LILA
Hi my name is janet is it possible to help me with a unemployment loan the moment I found a decent job I will start paying off the loan. I’m 48yr old. I need money urgent to get a place to stay. It. Thank you janet
I need money for food and so on please
Hi Janet,
There are a few different options available to you to assist with the different points you have mentioned. If you need immediate cash assistance you may be able to apply for a Advanced Payment through Centrelink, you may also qualify for a Crisis Payment. In addition to that here is some information on rental and food assistance. Lastly, speaking to a free financial counselour may benefit you greatly as they will be able to provide you with immediate local support based on your location.
Regards,
LILA
hi my name is chris im wondering if you could help me with a unemployment loan my mother just passed away this week and im in victoria and it took all my unemployment money go to tasmania to see her off can i get some help to i get back on my feet as im completely broke can i get some help please
Hi Chris,
You may want to consider a crisis or advanced payment through Centrelink for your current situation. You could also reach out to your local financial counselor to see what local financial assistance programs are available in your local area.
I have a new job to start on 4/4 16 we have been struggling for a while and this opportunity will make it for us we cannot afford the bond is there any help we may get on a low interest loan
Hi, I am 18 years unemployed and on a benefit from Centrelink (Youth Allowance) I am also studying part-time. I need a loan for a laptop for my study and everyday use. I have looked and called up so many ‘loans’ but I cannot find one for a unemployed youth allowance student. Very hard and frustrating. If someone can recommend somewhere that can do this for me that would be very much appreciated.
Hi Courtney,
Try contacting your local financial counsellour, they have a large network of contacts and partnerships with organisations that may be able to help you.
Good luck with your studies!
Regards,
LILA
How do you apply for a set up loan? I can’t see any links to financial institutions providing them. I’m in need of a new car so I an get a job and it looks like a set up loan is my only option.
Hi William,
StepUp is provided by Good Shepard Microfinance Follow the link provided, their offices are provided towards the bottom of the page.
Regards,
LILA
I want to apply for a loan
Hi,
I am 18yrs, a full-time student at uni i am on youth allowance. But I need a loan to get a new car as my car has just been written off and I am expecting in october…
Hi Kiani,
In this situation it may be best to speak to a free financial counsellour as you may be eligible for a range of grants and benefits.
Regards,
LILA
Please read my comment,
I am in serious need of help, I am 18 years old, I have lived out of home for 3 and a half years due to personal issues with both my mum and dad, I am not aloud to live with them, my dad has a business and my mum works for him, they earn too much money for me to be able to claim a benifit, they will not sign for any paperwork to say I’m living away from them as they don’t believe in centerlink, and I am not eligible to be classed as an independent until I am 21. I have no job, no home of my own, I live with my partner who I rely on to pay rent, bills, to put food on the table for me, cloth me and pay for my personal hygiene needs, and on top of all that he needs to pay to look after himself and our life habits and luxuries. It is really not fair , I am not eligible anywhere for a loan or short term cash loan,
I need help please someone give me a chance I need a stepping stone to help me get out of this mess I have forever been stuck in.
Please get in touch with me I would really appreciate and use the help in any way that can help me look after myself!
Hi Kayla,
Contacting a free financial counsellor may be of great assistance. They have the resource and contacts to help you get back on your feet. They are a national organisation and will be able to provide you with local and federal support options.
Regards,
LILA
Hi there, I’m currently have no income since end of March due to fractured leg. and I will be unable to work for another 3week. I was behind on my rent and bills, need to get loan of amour $3000 to settle down while waiting for my leg to recover ..
#in term of job will be no problem as I will have a full time position available for me next month
Hi Ian,
Try speaking to the team at goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au to see if they can assist. There are some other options shown on our Centrelink loans page.
Regards,
LILA
Hey there, my names Josh and I’m study right now but I’m struggling to buy a new laptop cause my last got heaps of viruses, and I need a little loan to help me keep on studying
Hi Josh,
Have you thought of taking your laptop to a repair shop to have them clean your laptop out for you – this may be a far cheaper and effective alternative to purchasing a new laptop. Certain schools may even offer this service for free or at a low price. If that is not a option check out these possible loan options here.
Regards,
LILA
would like a loan.pls
Hi Emma,
We are not a actual lender but provide low income earners with details on possible loan options and benefits to assist with financial issues. We try sourcing responsible lending providers such as non-profits and government partnerships/initiatives. If you can be more specific with your loan needs we may be able to point you in the direction.
Regards,
LILA
Hi, ima single mum and about to start study again and in desperat need of a car now the only thing is I don’t have the best credit rating but looking for the opportunity to prove im now older and wiser and on a different road and that includes paying bills but same time can’t afford to get in a mess with interest rates ect. Which direction would best suit me and how quick can applications go through? Thank you 🙂
Hi Jodie,
It may be difficult to get a car loan if Centrelink is your only source of income. However, there may be a possibility through the Goodshepherdmicrofinance organisation. They provide low and no interest loans for important household needs and transportation in certain circumstances.
Regards,
LILA
i’m hereby looking for a student loan to complete my course at tvet college and i will pay back when i got a job after completed my course.
Hi tshepo,
I try contacting tvet college to see what student assistance they provide. They may have their own internal lending for students and or can tell you about government benefits such as the Youth Allowance.
Regards,
LILA
Hi I would like too apply for a loan.
Thank You..
Hi Fargen,
We are not a actual lender but a resource which provides information on responsible lending services to low income earners. Please review our different loan options section to see potential loans that may be available to you.
I am a full-time student at Uni and I really need about $3000 to pay for my study by 31 of August 2015. I am a Permanent Resident and cannot apply for HELP. I am on Austudy, my husband is on Abstudy so we will be able to pay loan back but I cannot find $3000 during this short period of time. Any ideas, please.
Thank you
Hi Julia,
Try reviewing 2 potential loan options here.
Regards,
LILA
Hi I am a permanent residence of Australia.I need a loan of 5000 AUD. Currently i am working as an internship.There is a good chance of being permanent after 4 months.My wife is now pregnant and she is unable to work now.So i need at least 5000 AUD to survive properly in this 4 months.I have around 3000 in my saving account and i have one credit card but there is no money left but i am paying regularly the monthly payment to my credit card.Please advice me.
Thanks
Hi Rahat,
A loan may not be your best option in this situation as you don’t know if the internship will lead to full time work which would allow you to make your repayments on top of covering other bills. Are you currently collecting all benefits you may be entitled to? This can go along way in helping you through this period. Here is a list of popular benefits and you may also want to consider speaking to a financial counsellor for free, they can provide professional advice on additional financial options.
I need emergency loan urgently.
Janeece,
Please visit the following pages for urgent financial needs – Crisis Payment or Advanced Payment
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Hi I am a student nurse and a Kenyan. I’m a self sponsored student in a Medical Training College.. I find life to be hard a times struggling to make ends meet. Please if I can get a loan to pay out my rental and for upkeep. Thank you.
Hi my name is Danielle,
I currently receive Newstart, but I am in the middle of trying to obtain the disability support pension, I need help with bond and two weeks rent in advance ( housing department can’t help I am paying off one and have 134 dollars left to pay off) I have a place to move to I just need help with the bond , I receive about $550 a fortnight , what can you suggest for me ? Thank you
Hello, I have recently lost my job and just started receiving Newstart Allowance payments. I have a job lined up starting in August in Germany and am in desperate need of a loan minimum $3000 to get me over there, pay bond and set up my new place. Is there anywhere that will lend money on the basis of being able to pay it back in a few months? I am struggling to find temporary employment as many places won’t employ for just a few short months. Any help would be great. Thank you Sarah
I need an urgent load for my sick father
We have nothing
We’ll pay it as soon as im financially stable
Hi.
Just want to find out some info. I am currently unemployed and receive family tax benefit. I have 3 children I need to take to schools and such, I have a car that needs repairs (its can’t be driven without being repaired) I need a loan or help with getting some sort of loan for around $1000 it needs to be a quick loan. I can not get another loan from centrelink for another 5 months.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi my name is Hannah. Please any help would be amazing!
I am 17 in 1 month and have been out of home since the age of 13.
I am currently unemployed and am renting my own place. I am wanting to get a $1000 loan to pay back at $125p/f. Which I am certainly more than cabable to afford. I am wanting to get this loan so I can pay bills and get registration for my first car!!
Please help. thanks ☺️
Hi. I’m currently unemployed and my financial situation is starting to get a little out of control and just need to get over this hurdle. I have contacted several charities and they are limited with funds and have no funding available to support at this time. I think from reading your website that I may be eligiable for NILS. How do I go about applying for NILS?
Hi. I am 19 and on youth allowance with part disability benefit. I live at home with my mum and brother. My car has many problems that I can’t afford to get fixed. Would I be eligible for any kind of loan to purchase a car?
Thanks
My partner & I were currently homeless for just over 3 months. We have now moved into a private property & are struggling as my partner can’t work because he needs his car repaired. Would we be able to get assistance?
We’re both on Centrelink benefits. I am off work on unpaid maternity leave (baby is due early September). We both get Newstart & I recieve FTB for my 10 year old daughter.
Need helo. My job provider rekocared me to a remote area as i had a letter stating u had a job to go to. Upom arrival there was no job at all..Question is am i el8gble for relocation again as now im stuck hete as a sole father with very limited funds
I am currently unemployed but on newstart benifits and looking for work. I have been a carer for a lady with a disability for the past two years but that has finished now. I have just moved back to brisbane and am looking for work. I need a short term cash loan of $100 for medical expenses and am quite capable of paying it back quickly from my centerlink allowance.
Hi, I am 24 years old and my now ex partner kicked me out of the family home and I am currently unemployed and looking for a job. I am on Jobseeker’s Allowance with Centrelink, my studies are being severely affected as all laptops/computers are in his name. I just need $1300 for a new laptop that will help me with my everyday tasks and studies. I have little to no credit history and I just need to be pointed in the right direction to a service that can help me.
hi i am wondering if i would be able to get a loan of $1000 i am on centrelink benefits and i do get a little bit of paid work i need the loan so i can get a car and my p’s so i am able to get a proper job
Good afternoon,
My partner and I are struggling at the moment and we are behind in our rent. He is currently on sickness benefits and has been terminated from his job due to the long absence with his illness. I am on newstart. Is there anywhere where we can get some help with that and our bills. I am not coping with the day to day struggles that we are facing and we also have 2 children.
Thanks
I am on newstart but i have found full time work. I need $2500-$3000 to move to the job & the banks won’t touch me. I need all the help i can get & im not goin to the loan sharks. Please help…
Hi, my name is Amanda and I am looking to relocate to Brisbane from Townsville with my husband (we have no kids), he looks like he has a job to go to and I have been unemployed for 4 months and been on centrelink benefits for 6 months. I have noticed that I am not eligible for assistance from centrelink due to not being on payments for 12 months. I have started studying and I am shortlisted for a few jobs in Brisbane.
I am finding that in Townsville we have the highest unemployment rate in Australia at this stage it doesn’t look like its going its going to get any better and that is why we have decided that the move to Brisbane is the best thing for us.
Is there anything that I can do to get assistance to help us move?
Hi,
I had an accident over 2 years ago and have been on Centerlink Benefits since. l own my own home and have some decent assets but l need to borrow against it for repairs/ renovations. How do l go about borrowing. All the lenders seem to be telling me l cant borrow money on Centerlink Benefits???
My hubby and I wish to relocate back to our home state, as my hubby can get he knees done quicker back there then here, he has no quality of life here, but as I’m on Newstart and he is on a disablity pension we cannot afford to move, is there a way we can get assistance to move
looking for someone to help me get a loan no more then 7,000 so i can start my online business
Could you please direct me to which sections of the Social Security Act and the National Consumer Credit Protection Act you refer to on this page?
“As per the Social Security Act (SSA) and National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCPA), if 50% or more of your income is from benefits, the amount of payments for customers must not exceed 20% of their total income”.
Thank you.
http://download.asic.gov.au/media/3038267/rep-426-published-17-march-2015.pdf
I need urgent help with moving costs to move from an area with no employment opportunities for myself and my daughter it’s urgent.
I need financial help immediately.
Hi my name is Ivy
I’m 19, been unemployed for 2months, study Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Am really struggling to be able to pay for my course every fortnight. I’m also trying my hardest applying everywhere in my community for a job. Will you help please?
Hi. I was recently involved in an accident which has left me with 3 broken ribs and no job.
I need some help paying my rent and medical bills as I have spoken to workers compensation lawyers and have been told that my situation doesn’t qualify for compensation. I have spoken to Nab about the startup loan, I have spoken to various financial institutions and financial councilors and have been told the same thing over and over, Sorry, but we can’t help you.
Please help me, I need help.
Hi,
I’m 18 and am in Tafe studying acting and on ABSTUDY. I need a loan of about $2500 so I can move houses quickly. I’ve been researching loans even though I know it’s really not the right decision for me, I did see the StepUp loan and the Student Loan (however I don’t think I’m eligible because I am in Tafe and graduating at the end of this year). I am unemployed but will be on Youth Allowance by the end of the year and I need to move before then so I can start finding jobs once I’ve moved. Is there anything I can do or apply for a loan that will allow me to pay around $30 every fortnight with low or no interest or hidden fees.
Please Help,
Leonie.
Need help to move , gov give u $3000 to help you move , in that $3000 meant to pay bond and moved to relocate
Removes truck $2800
I just got full time job cos no work been told everything well get paid all l do is work
Can anyone help me get$5000 loan over 24+36 months I recieve Newstart allowance and other income.
Thanks much appreciated!!